1937 R23 Big Little Book Series 18 Uncut Strips of Four (72 Cards)

Collection of seventy-two 1937 R23 "Big Little Book Series" trading cards, presented on eighteen uncut four-card strips. This collection represents perhaps the single most amazing find of high-grade cards from this rare series, and one of the most exciting groups of 1930s non-sport cards we have ever offered. The condition of these cards is nothing short of miraculous. All seventy-two cards are in approximately Mint condition, with colors as bright and bold as the day they were printed. The vibrancy and quality of the colors, as well as the condition of the cards, are very noticeably superior to that of other examples normally found. There is, very simply and without question, a striking contrast between the quality of the offered cards compared to other cards collectors have seen from this rare series. Presumably, this untouched group must have been carefully stored away in 1937, protected from light and all other natural elements, to have survived in this unheard of pristine state. The collection includes the following cards organized by character subsets: 1) Popeye: Twenty-four cards in six uncut 4-card strips (#73 through 96). This represents the complete Popeye subset of the Big Little Book card series. A few very light surface creases, very likely as made, can be found upon very close inspection of the 4-card strip featuring #73-76. This is extremely minor and noted only for extreme accuracy. 2) Tom Mix: Sixteen cards in four uncut 4-card strips (#113-116, 117-120, 121-125, and 125-128). 3) Buck Jones: 32 cards in eight uncut 4-card strips (#161 through 192). We have never before seen uncut strips of cards from the "Big Little Book" card series. The reverse of each card features an elaborate "chapter" of the story each card subset tells. Each card bears the "Copyright 1937, by Silverbuck, Inc.," and promotes the sale of "Big Little Books," the small but very thick series of character-related children's books with colorful covers which were so very popular with children in the 1930s, and with collectors to this day. The "Big Little Book Series" cards are among the rarest and most desirable of all 1930s trading cards, and are rarely found in high grade. This collection of 72 cards, in 18 uncut strips of four cards each, is, in our opinion, one of the highlights of the many significant non-sport cards offered in this auction. Total 72 cards. Reserve $1,500. Estimate $2,500/$3,500.SOLD FOR $11,600.00

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